HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR HARMONICA

HOHNER recommends that you play your new harmonica softly the first few times you use it in order to accustom the reeds to your playing style and also to get to know how the instrument responds. We don't advise trying to play as loudly as possible as this is likely to shorten reed life. The harmonica generally sounds best when played at moderate volume. Especially in cold weather we recommend that you warm the harmonica in your hands and by blowing gently into it to bring the reeds up to body temperature before playing. Tap it out and wipe it clean after.

1. Play it in gently for a few minutes over the entire range of both blow and draw notes and avoid stressing the reeds by playing loudly or bending heavily at an early stage.
2. Always ensure your harmonica is at body temperature before playing. You can warm it in your hands, or by breathing gently into the channel openings.
3. Playing will cause moisture to condense in your harmonica. Always tap the channel openings out into your palm in a downward direction afterwards and allow the instrument to dry before replacing it in its case. With keys below G (Marine Band Thunderbird & Rocket Low) we advise against tapping the harmonica out, as this can push these extremely low reeds out of alignment. Allow these models to dry in the air.
4. Avoid playing immediately after eating. Rinse your mouth out with water or brush your teeth before playing. This prevents food particles becoming lodged inside the harmonica and blocking the reeds.
5. Avoid drinking beverages containing sugar when playing, as this can cause the reeds to stick.
6. If you disassemble your harmonica for any reason, we recommend that you replace all screws in their original positions and avoid overtightening them to ensure optimal airtightness.
7. Like guitar strings, harmonica reeds can fatigue through playing and eventually go out of tune. How quickly this occurs depends on how much and how hard you play. Original replacement reed plates are available from www.hohner-cshop.de. Reeds can be retuned using the HOHNER Harmonica Service Set (order no. MZ99331) or replaced using the HOHNER Instant Workshop Toolset (order no. MZ99831). The HOHNER Service Workshop Videos on www.hohner.de offer detailed instructions on the use of these tools. All parts are available from www.hohner-cshop.de.
8. Avoid subjecting the instrument to powerful shocks, for example by dropping it on a hard surface.
9. Store the instrument at room temperature in its special case. The models Blues Harp, Marine Band and Marine Band Deluxe have combs made of natural wood. Avoid subjecting them to extremes of temperature or humidity to prevent warping, cracking or swelling.
10. To avoid scratches, refrain from treating any of the surfaces with abrasive substances.
11. Clean the outside of the instrument with a damp cloth. Harmonicas should not be rinsed in water or put in the dishwasher. In order to clean the inside, please refer to the instructions in the HOHNER Service Workshop Videos at https://hohner.de/en/service/harmonica/clean-maintain